FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2006

Lantern Theater Company continues its 13th season on November 10 with the Philadelphia premiere of Peter Parnell's QED, a play originally commissioned by science buff and noted actor Alan Alda, who starred in the 2002 Broadway production. To his students, Richard Feynman was a beloved professor, Nobel Prize-winning physicist, flirt, and in a student production of South Pacific, the chief of Bali Hai! Barrymore-Award winning actor Peter DeLaurier captures Feynman's remarkable spirit on this memorable journey through the greatest mysteries of science and the human experience. QED will run from November 10 - December 3, 2006.

In his lifetime as well as in the years after his death, Richard Feynman became one of the most publicly known scientists of the 20th century. Recognized for his insatiable curiosity, gentle wit, brilliant mind and playful temperament, he is also famous for his many adventures, detailed in the bestsellers Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!; What Do You Care What Other People Think?; and Tuva or Bust!. As well as being an inspiring lecturer, bongo player, notorious practical joker, and decipherer of Mayan hieroglyphics, Feynman was a key player in the Manhattan Project and, just before his death, was lauded for his work with the commission that investigated the Challenger disaster. His colleague Freeman Dyson, who will be featured at the Lantern symposium on Sunday, November 26 at 4pm, famously wrote that Feynman was "half-genius, half-buffoon," but later changed this to "all-genius, all-buffoon."

"In science circles," says director Kathryn Nocero, "it is often said that, while people like Einstein, they love Feynman. Working on this production, I can see why. He's frank and courageous, as well as whimsical and fun. It has been a pleasure getting to know him." Nocero's previous Lantern directing credits include last season's The Lady from the Sea and the 2004 production of Catalpa.

Philadelphia area performer and People's Light & Theatre Company member, Peter DeLaurier (Barrymore Award winner for his 2003 Lantern performance in Underneath the Lintel), plays the extraordinary Feynman for the Lantern stage. The cast also includes local emerging actress Amanda Schoonover (Miriam Field). QED is designed by a team of talented local artists: Dirk Durosette (sets), Millie Hiibel (costumes), David O'Connor (lighting), and Doug Smullins (sound).

QED previews begin on Friday, November 10. Preview performances run November 10, 11, 12 and 14. Opening night is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, and the show runs through Sunday, December 3, 2006. Single tickets, now on sale, range from $15 to $30 and may be purchased by calling the Lantern Box Office at 215.829.9002 or ordered online at www.lanterntheater.org or in person at the box office at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th and Ludlow Streets, 10am-6pm, Monday through Friday, and one hour before curtain on performance days. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups of 20 or more.

Where:
Lantern Theater Company
At St. Stephen's Theater
10th and Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia

When:
November 10 - December 3, 2006

Reviewing Press: are invited to attend Opening Night of QED on Wednesday, November 15 (7pm performance).

Other Press: may arrange for tickets for the first week of production, November 10-19, 2006, by calling 215.829.9002.

Associated Events:
Lecture Series (with Gino Segre, October 30 7pm)
Director's Discussion (November 17, 7pm)
Symposia (with Freeman Dyson, November 26, 4pm)

Following QED, the 2006/07 season continues with La Ronde (February 2-25, 2007) and The Taming of the Shrew (March 30-April 29, 2007). Three-play subscriptions are available for the 2006/07 season at up to 25% off single ticket prices, with packages ranging in price from $33-$78. Single tickets for the 2006/07 season are $15-$30, with student, senior and group rates available. New this season: weekday performances at 7pm and a special 2pm Wednesday matinee offered once per run. Events, dates and times subject to change. For tickets and information, please contact the Lantern Theater Company box office at 215.829.9002 or visit us online at www.lanterntheater.org.